CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Petty Officer Second Class Felix Valencia, a native of Lemoore, California, an aviation ordnanceman and assistant leading petty officer assigned to Camp Lemonnier, was recognized as the Camp Lemonnier Member in the Spotlight, Oct. 14, 2019. Located in an austere environment, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti is a U.S. Navy base located in the Horn of Africa and is the only enduring U.S. military base on the continent of Africa.
“I am extremely proud of Petty Officer Valencia and congratulate him on his nomination as the Camp Lemonnier member in the Spotlight,” said Master Chief Bruce Forester, command master chief of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. “It’s not easy being deployed from home to an environment like the one we have here, but Petty Officer Valencia exemplifies the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment and is an outstanding representative of our command and our nation.”
Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) provides, operates, and sustains superior service in support of combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel for regional and combatant command requirements, enabling operations and providing stability in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African Nations relations.
Valencia, a 1995 graduate of Randolph High School in Randolph, New Jersey, credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Lemoore.
“I learned early in high school that working hard made the school assignments easier during finals,” said Valencia. “I applied the same principals once I join the Navy.”
A key element of the Navy that the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is dependent upon the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, 80 percent of the world’s population lives near a coast, and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Ken Crowe, commanding officer of Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti. “Petty Officer Valencia is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members should carry themselves every day as an ambassador of the United States of America at home and abroad.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Valencia is most proud of receiving a bachelor’s degree in information technology.
“Working full time, taking care my wife and two little girls was like having three full time jobs,” said Valencia. “I averaged two hours of sleep a day for so many years, however, it comes down to how much I needed to push myself to achieve my goals.”
Valencia followed in his dad’s footsteps and was second in his family to join the military.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Valencia and other sailors stationed at Camp Lemonnier know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am proud to be part of the weapons department here at CLDJ and most proud of starting an ordinance certification program to improve compliance and weapons safety,” said Valencia.